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  What it means

  “Don’t put your finger between family members, or they’ll tear it off.” Don’t interfere in other people’s family disputes — you’ll only get hurt. Outsiders who meddle in family quarrels end up as the victim.

  English equivalent

  Don't come between a husband and wife.

  Vocabulary

  • kłaść — to put, to place
  • palec — finger
  • familia — family (slightly old-fashioned or regional)
  • urwać — to tear off, to rip off

  Grammar note

  'Nie kładź' is the negative imperative. 'Pomiędzy familię' uses the accusative after 'pomiędzy' (motion). 'Ci go urwią' — 'ci' is the dative of 'ty' (indirect object), 'go' refers to 'palec'.

  Intermediate

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